Last Updated on February 26, 2024
Hosting an event is a big deal, and if you’re in charge of the decorations, you’ve got one of the hardest jobs around. Your job is to create an environment that is visually pleasing and memorable for your guests.
Sure, you can find decorations that look good and throw everything together in a pinch, but that’s not going to impress anyone. People will think your decorations look nice, but that’s not good enough. On the other hand, decorating with intention will create an exceptional experience for your guests.
If you’re getting ready to host an important event like a wedding reception, a birthday, a retirement party, or an anniversary celebration, the following tips will make your event truly memorable.
1. Go with live flowers
While some fake flowers can look good, they never look as good as real flowers and can make a celebration feel cheap. There’s something special about decorating with real flowers, especially for important celebrations. If you’re unsure where to start, many companies offer their own unique flower collections to suit different wedding styles, like Bohemian or Classic themes. Live flowers add an elegant touch as well as provide additional sensory benefits like smell.
Other events, like wedding anniversaries and birthday parties, also deserve fresh flowers. These events are just too special to go with anything fake. To get real flowers, contact a local flower shop ahead of time to make arrangements for your needs. You can also buy flower arrangements through a third-party and have them delivered before your event starts.
2. Have a theme in mind
Events are most memorable when the decorations match and have a discernible theme. People like consistency in their visual environment. They like symmetry, but they also prefer for things to match. While your decorations don’t all need to be exactly the same, they need to match in some way.
For example, you can mix up decorations in any way you wish if the general colors or designs match. You’ve probably heard that you shouldn’t mix stripes with polka dots in terms of fashion, and that applies here.
If two patterns clash, people will notice, and they’ll feel a bit uneasy. They may not say anything, but discomfort will be in their awareness and it will diminish the quality of their experience at your event.
Think about what kind of theme you want for your decorations. It doesn’t need to be a cartoon character or anything identifiable if you’re going for something more professional. Anything can be a theme, including color schemes, textures, and even culture.
3. Look at professional examples
What do professional decorators do for events like yours? Browse around online and look for examples to copy. For instance, start with these 40 examples and start getting ideas for table settings, centerpieces, candle holders, table cloths, and interesting ways to set the table.
If you can afford to hire a professional, go for it! When it’s in the budget, it’s worth every penny. However, you don’t need to spend extra money if you feel comfortable doing your own decorations. Try to copy what you see. You’d be surprised how easy it is to create an amazing atmosphere just by copying ideas.
4. Don’t be traditional
There is a time and a place for tradition, but that doesn’t mean it has to be part of your event. If you’re not the traditional type, and you’d rather color outside the lines, experiment with your decorations.
For instance, for your table settings, instead of putting the silverware “where it belongs,” try wrapping it up in a fancy napkin and placing it inside of a tall glass. Use your guest’s plates to hold their place cards. You can even opt for an unusual centerpiece, especially if it’s in line with something your guests are interested in.
No matter what event you’re hosting, you don’t have to stick to tradition. If your circle isn’t into tradition, think outside the box to create a memorable event they’ll enjoy.
5. Get ideas from restaurant table settings
Another thing you can do is get ideas from the way restaurants set their tables. There are so many creative people out there who share their ideas, so you’ll always be able to find new concepts. Some of the most interesting and creative table settings come from restaurants, and if those settings impress diners, they’ll certainly impress your guests.
Create aesthetics that will be remembered
Your goal is to create a visual experience that will impress your guests and make the overall event more memorable. Whether you go with a traditional style or something unique, these tips will help you give your guests the impression your event was put together by a professional decorator.